Tag: satellite connectivity

Android 15 DP 2 Released With Improved Foldable Cover Screen Support, Official Satellite Connectivity Features

Android 15 Developer Preview 2 was released by Google on Thursday, allowing developers to try out an early version of the company’s next major operating system update for Android smartphones. The second preview comes with several improvements to existing features as well as new features that take advantage of modern smartphone hardware, including satellite connectivity and foldable screens. Apps will also gain new abilities, such as detecting when the screen is being recorded. Most of these features are expected to be a part of the first open beta scheduled to arrive next month.

One of the most notable new features arriving with Android 15 will be satellite connectivity. While manufacturers could always build in support for these features, the arrival of official support means that the user interface for this feature should feel more cohesive across different satellite networks — including new UI elements such as a status bar icon and interactive notifications, while apps can also detect when a handset is connected to a satellite and offer messaging services.

Near field communication (NFC) support has been improved on devices running on Android 15, allowing smartphones to ‘observe’ or listen to NFC readers without responding to them. Meanwhile, Google will allow apps running on Android 15 to determine when the screen is being recorded, enabling them to prevent potentially sensitive information from being shown on the screen at the same time — apps like Google Pay currently offer this functionality when screen recording is enabled on iOS.

Foldable smartphones — especially clamshell-style handsets like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra — currently offer manufacturer-optimised support for running apps (or widgets) on the smaller external cover screen. With Android 15, application developers can declare a property that will enable the use of these apps on foldable phones’ cover screens, despite their small size, according to Google. 

With newly added support for the CTA-2075 loudness standard, Android 15 will enable loudness consistency across different content types — this means that you won’t be constantly reaching for the volume buttons to adjust the volume of your phone. The Settings app has also been updated with a section called Audio sharing which will let you manage your Auracast (a new Bluetooth ‘broadcasting’ feature) sessions.

Google will also allow developers to set a specific HDR headroom level, allowing their apps to balance HDR and SDR content, instead of the parts of screen showing the former overpowering the parts displaying SDR content. You will also be able to configure the app archiving feature via the Settings app, choosing to archive or restore apps directly via the Settings app.

All of these features are currently available on the latest version of Android 15 DP 2, and are expected to make their way to the public beta releases that are scheduled to begin rolling out in April. Some of these features could be further improved, augmented, or removed in upcoming releases. A clearer idea of the Android 15 features is likely to emerge when the software reaches platform stability starting in June, according to the company’s schedule.

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iPhone 14 Users Get Free One-Year Extension for Emergency SOS via Satellite Feature

Apple introduced the Emergency SOS via satellite for all iPhone 14 users in November 2022. When there are no other options for contacting emergency services, emergency SOS via satellite feature can help users get in touch with them. Compatible iPhone models make an effort to link customers to necessary assistance via satellite-based communication in the event they are unable to reach emergency services because they are outside the coverage area of cellular and Wi-Fi networks. The feature has been reported to be life-saving in several situations so far. Initially provided for free for two years, the emergency SOS feature will now be available for longer for iPhone 14 users at no additional cost.

The iPhone maker confirmed in a press release that it is extending the two-year free trial of the Emergency SOS via satellite feature for iPhone 14 users by another year. “We are so happy iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users can take advantage of this groundbreaking service for two more years for free,” Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing, said in the release.

According to Apple, the free trial will be extended for iPhone 14 users who have activated their device in a country that supports Emergency SOS via satellite prior to 12am PT (1:30am IST) on November 15, 2023. Currently, Emergency SOS via satellite is available in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US. There’s no word on when the feature would make its way to India.

Apple launched the iPhone 14 lineup with four models – iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max, in September 2022. It was followed by the release of the Emergency SOS via satellite feature in November of that year, initially only in the US and Canada, and later extended to more countries.

Buidling upon the satellite connectivity capability, eligible iPhone 14 users travelling off the grid, that is a location without cellular or wireless connectivity, can also use the Find My app and communicate their location with friends and family via satellite.

Apple also introduced the Roadside Assistance via satellite feature in the US, which connects car-owners to AAA roadside assistance in case of car trouble in a region with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. According to Apple, the feature is included for free for two years, starting at the time of activation of a new iPhone 15 or 14 series model, and would require iOS 17 on the device to work.

The Emergency SOS via satellite service has also been extended to iPhone 15 users in 16 countries and regions, according to Apple. The company recently expanded the feature to Spain and Switzerland. Apple launched its latest iPhones at its ‘Wonderlust’ event in September.

Apple unveiled its first mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro, at its annual developer conference, along with new Mac models and upcoming software updates. We discuss all the most important announcements made by the company at WWDC 2023 on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Google’s Android 14 Tipped to Bring iPhone-Like Satellite Connectivity Support for SMS

Google rolled out the Android 13 OS last year and now it is set to introduce the next Android version, Android 14, later this year. While Android 14 is still in the beta phase, expected features and improvements included with the next version of Google’s mobile operating system have already emerged on the Internet. Android 14 has now been tipped to bring satellite connectivity support to smartphones, which will let users send emergency message alerts without using cellular or WiFi coverage. The feature was also introduced by Apple on the last year’s iPhone 14 series.

TeamPixel (Twitter @GooglePixelFC) in its latest tweet, has shared that the upcoming Android 14 will bring satellite connectivity support for SMS along with other features to supported smartphones with required hardware. It has also been said that Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phone users will likely be the first to get their hands on this feature. Satellite-based communication requires hardware support and the availability of the feature on other Android smartphones would thus depend on the manufacturer.

When supported, the functionality will help smartphone users to send SMS via satellite connectivity in remote areas where cellular network or WiFi is not accessible.

Apple introduced the emergency SoS via satellite feature last year with iPhone 14 series launch. However, the feature was only made available in the US and Canada at the time of launch. Later, it was expanded to more countries including the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Portugal. The feature not only lets users communicate with emergency services but also allows them to search for their location and share it with friends and family using the Find My app.

Meanwhile, Google released the Android 14 Beta 4 update to eligible Pixel users earlier this month. It has been said that the latest Android 14 beta version is suitable for testing and general use. It is said to bring several fixes and system performance improvements. The Android 14 Beta 4 is also available for the Pixel Fold and the Pixel Tablet. 

Will the Nothing Phone 2 serve as the successor to the Phone 1, or will the two co-exist? We discuss the company’s recently launched handset and more on the latest episode of Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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MediaTek to Unveil Satellite Connectivity on Android Phones at MWC 2023, Showcase Dimensity 9200 SoC

MediaTek has announced that it will be showcasing a host of demos on innovations and developments undertaken by the chipset manufacturer at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023 scheduled to commence in Barcelona, Spain on February 27, 2023. The demonstrations will include MediaTek’s take on enabling satellite connectivity on Android smartphones, through support for 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) in its chips. The company has also announced that it plans to launch support for 5G New Radio NTN (NR-NTN) in the near future. The development comes after rival companies have also made similar plans public, with Qualcomm announcing Snapdragon Satellite, while Samsung has also debuted its take on the technology for its’ Exynos chipsets.

Satellite communication technology, or support for 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) in chipsets, will allow for two-way communication via satellite directly from an Android smartphone. This could prove to be handy in cases of emergency or at places where traditional networks tend to suffer with low or zero-connectivity. MediaTek intends to debut the technology on smartphones, however, the company also made its intention to expand this technology on to other platforms like cars in the near future.

MediaTek also went on to confirm that Bullit will be the first brand to feature the company’s satellite connectivity hardware. Bullit will debut the technology on its CAT S75 smartphone as well as the Motorola Defy 2 smartphone, MediaTek mentioned in a press release. CAT S75 model smartphone is currently available for pre-order, while Motorola Defy 2 smartphone is expected to launch in the second quarter of 2023.

MediaTek also confirmed that it will be providing satellite connectivity through an accessory called Motorola Defy Satellite Link. The accessory will essentially utilise Bluetooth to allow users on smartphones to connect to satellites using the Bullitt Satellite Connect Platform. Once connected, users will be able to send and receive messages, share location, and send emergency SOS relays.

The chip manufacturer in cooperation with Ericsson will also be demonstrating its 5G mmWave beam technology that will allow for improved connection performance and reliability. MediaTek’s demonstrations at the MWC 2023 are also set to be headlined by its Dimensity 9200 chipset, which will be showcased on the Vivo X90, and Vivo X90 Pro. Some of the features of the latest flagship chipset include real-time refresh rate adjustment through Intelligent Display Sync 3.0, picture quality optimisation with multi-person segmentation, and multi-layer color management through Intelligent Image Semantic Segmentation.

Other announcements at the MWC 2023 from MediaTek include its’ 7000 Dimensity Series, Helio G36 smartphone series, Genio platform for Internet of Things (IoT), Chromebook and Smart TV, and Wi-Fi 7/6E/6 Filogic solutions.

After facing headwinds in India last year, Xiaomi is all set to take on the competition in 2023. What are the company’s plans for its wide product portfolio and its Make in India committment in the country? We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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For details of the latest launches and news from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, Oppo and other companies at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, visit our MWC 2023 hub.

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iPhone 14 Satellite Connectivity Feature May Launch Outside the US, Canada This Year: Report

iPhone 14 series’ satellite connectivity feature that lets you send an SOS message when you do not have cellular network may be coming to countries other than Canada and the US, as per a report. The feature is due to come to these countries in November, Apple announced at the ‘Far Out’ event, which saw the debut of the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The feature is free for the first two years.

As per a report by macprime, the iPhone 14 models’ limited form of satellite connectivity which, when rolled out in November, will allow users to send an SOS message when they do not have cellular connectivity, may be rolled out to other countries. However, there is no information on which countries will get this feature. This is one of the five features we think is great when it comes to saving precious human lives.

iPhone 14 Satellite Connectivity

If you are a hiker lost in the woods or if you sustain an injury that renders you unable to move, you can, in theory, use your iPhone 14 to send an SOS message over a satellite and it could help in your rescue. “Satellites are moving targets with low bandwidth. It can take minutes for messages to get through. Since every second counts, iPhone front-loads a few questions to assess your situation — just tap to respond. Then it shows you where to point to connect to a satellite,” Apple explains.

In order to send an SOS message, the sender must be outdoors with a clear view of the sky. Since satellites are moving rapidly through space, iPhone 14 will assist the sender where to point to maintain your connection — and avoid obstructions such as mountains and heavy foliage. Apple says that in ideal conditions, the message can be sent in less than 15 seconds. Under light foliage, it can take more than a minute. Once connected, the iPhone 14 will automatically send your answers, location, Medical ID (if set up) as well as battery level to a dispatcher.

While researching and writing about this feature previously, we talked to Tarun Pathak from Counterpoint Research. He explained that the feature will be a good thing to have from a user’s point of view “especially in India where it can bring in meaningful developments.” He rightly points that even though the feature is great, operational challenges need to be addressed. “What [happens] after SOS communication is done? Do we have a response team as fast as we have in other countries?,” Pathak told Gadgets 360, while explaining the feasibility of the feature in India.

Apple partnered with Globalstar to support this emergency feature in the new iPhone 14 series. The Cupertino company revealed that it would be allocating $450 million (roughly Rs. 4,000 crores) from its advanced manufacturing fund to support this new feature.

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